Arashi thought, 'Otherwise, with that power just now, my clansmen surely wouldn't have escaped, and some might even have been obliterated by my own forbidden jutsu.'
Torifū rose from his crystal throne and walked to the shore, looking at Arashi: "Well, have you calmed down now? Do you want to play a bit longer?"
Arashi vigorously shook his head: "No, no. I was reckless to attack you without knowing the situation. Please forgive me."
Upon hearing Arashi's apology, Torifū nodded in satisfaction; after all, he wasn't a demon. Besides, Torifū hadn't intended to kill him; he just wanted to scare him a little. Anyone could use large-scale ninjutsu. If his teacher were to perform True Several Thousand Hands right now, let alone Arashi, even this lake would have to expand several times over!
"Members of the Tsuchigumo clan, why did you secretly infiltrate Land of Fire territory? What is your purpose?"
Arashi had initially hoped to have a basis for equal negotiation with Konoha Village, but now, with no stored forbidden jutsu and being outmatched, he simply couldn't act tough.
"I am the clan head of the Tsuchigumo clan. We were pursued by people from Kirigakure, which is why we hid within the Land of Fire's borders, hoping to seek help from Konoha Village after this period passed." He continued, "I apologize for my rash attack without proper investigation, but it was an act of desperation after being hunted for so long."
Torifū wasn't swayed by his plea for pity. He thought, 'It's a good thing it was me who came. If it had been someone else, he'd surely be dead right now.Would he still be apologizing and making amends? No, it's because he couldn't win.'
However, Torifū was too lazy to pursue the matter further. After all, he still planned to recruit him. If he scared the guy away, it would be a waste of such a powerful ninja.
"Where are your clansmen? Were they all killed by me just now?"
To Torifū's dark joke, Arashi could only give an awkward smile: "I had my clansmen withdraw before I attacked you."
Upon hearing Arashi's words, Torifū remembered that Aokumo and Ryūfū were resting somewhere on a tree branch. 'They weren't sucked in just now, were they?'
Thinking about it, Torifū decided it was unlikely. Given Aokumo and Ryūfū's speed, it would be difficult for them to be sucked in, and their injuries weren't that severe. However, this wasn't the time to look for them. He'd address that when they were heading back to Konoha Village.
"You wish to obtain Konoha Village's help. What kind of help are you seeking?"
Arashi immediately replied: "My clan is being hunted because of our forbidden jutsu, but only the clan head can learn it. Once I'm incapacitated, my clansmen essentially have no fighting capability." He added, "So, I wish to ask Konoha Village to shelter us."
Torifū looked at Arashi, then pondered for a moment. 'He's hinting that he wants to join Konoha Village.What's going on lately? Why are so many clans wanting to join Konoha?'
First, the Oyashirō clan, and now the Tsuchigumo clan. Both clans weren't particularly strong, but they each had their unique characteristics. The Oyashirō clan had fighting potential in every member, but each individual was weak, effectively amounting to no combat power. Their highlight was possessing a Kekkei Genkai. If they hadn't had a Kekkei Genkai, they'd probably still be stuck in some remote valley, and Torifū wouldn't be running around for an ordinary clan. After all, his time wasn't free; if there was no benefit to Konoha or himself, there was no point in exerting himself. One could say that their Kekkei Genkai saved the Oyashirō clan.
As for the Tsuchigumo clan, it seemed that only the clan head possessed the forbidden jutsu, and other clan members weren't much different from ordinary ninja. However, the clan head, despite his young age, already possessed formidable strength. Without the forbidden jutsu, he could reach the level of an Elite Jōnin with just his ninjutsu. With the forbidden jutsu, he could arguably be considered a Semi-Kage. Taking him and his clansmen for one Semi-Kage level ninja isn't entirely unacceptable. This would significantly increase the village's combat power, and it was a tangible gain, not a "future potential" like the Oyashirō clan.
"Are you saying you wish to join Konoha Village?"
Arashi nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes. But I'm afraid Konoha Village's elders won't trust me, given you've already experienced my forbidden jutsu."
Arashi's point was valid. A person who was essentially a ticking time bomb would certainly cause some concern within the village. After all, if he suddenly got angry one day, or felt that the village's system was unreasonable and decided to leave, he could secretly unleash a forbidden jutsu and flatten Konoha Village. Who would they complain to then? The dead couldn't be revived; this wasn't like Nagato and Naruto. If killed by the Tsuchigumo's forbidden jutsu, they would truly be dead.
"Indeed, this point needs serious discussion. I can't guarantee that your wishes will be granted."
"So, you're willing to speak to the Konoha elders and the Hokage for me?!"
Arashi was overjoyed. He hadn't expected this person to be so magnanimous, not only overlooking their past conflict but also willing to help him.
"I am a disciple of the Shodaime Hokage of Konoha Village, and I have a good relationship with the Nidaime Hokage, so I can certainly put in a word for you. However, whether it ultimately succeeds or not is something I can't confirm."
Arashi had initially thought this child was just some wealthy young master, but he never expected him to be a disciple of the Hokage. This was truly too coincidental. At this moment, he couldn't help but marvel at Torifū's generosity. If it had been someone with a narrower mind, not reporting him would have been considered a good outcome.
"You're a disciple of the Hokage? I'm truly sorry for what happened earlier. You really are willing to help us? My clansmen and I are tired of this life on the run."
Torifū transformed into a cloud of mist and vanished. Before Arashi could say anything, Torifū reformed before him.
"Don't worry, we can consider this a fight that led to friendship. I can help with this, but as I said, the final decision rests with the Hokage."
With Torifū's words, Arashi's heart was already half at ease. After all, if he were to approach the Hokage himself, the success rate would definitely be even lower. As for why he was so insistent on coming to Konoha Village, it was mainly because he had heard about the peace agreement signed by the Five Great Nations under the Hokage's proposal during the Five Kage Summit years ago. This brought rare peace to the entire ninja world, so Arashi believed that the Hokage was trustworthy, at least more trustworthy than other villages. Now, after a spar and conversation with the Hokage's disciple, he could further discern the Hokage's character from his demeanor and words.
"I'll call you Arashi. Calling you En no Gyōja feels a bit awkward, and this will be more convenient."
Arashi nodded: "Of course, you can."
"Since that's the case, first take me to your gathering place. Then I'll set off back to Konoha and discuss this with the Hokage." He then added, "Regardless of the outcome, I will inform you."